KJV Dictionary Definition: jest

jest

JEST, n. L. gestio.

1. A joke; something ludicrous uttered and meant only to excite laughter. Religion should never be the subject of jest.

2. The object of laughter or sport; a laughing stock.

Then let me be your jest, I deserve it.

In jest, for mere sport or diversion; not in truth and reality; not in earnest.

--And given in earnest what I begged in jest.

3. A mask.

4. A deed; an action.

jesting

JEST'ING, ppr. Joking; talking for diversion or merriment.

JEST'ING, n. A joking; concise wit; wit that consists in a trope or verbal figure, in a metaphorical sense of words, or in a double sense of the same word, or in similitude of sound in different words.

jestingly

JEST'INGLY, adv. In a jocose manner; not in earnest.

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Definitions from Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828.

I have heard many a good sermon spoilt by mother in law jokes, even in fundamental bible believing churches.

A listener can be under a strong conviction of his spiritual needs, until a out of the blue joke; destroys the moment.

May we be more earnest in our preaching and not miss the opportunities afforded us.

Ephesians Chapter 5

3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.